The Institute for Executive Development (IED), a member of the Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group (ADUKG), has delivered the first three days Innovation Masterclass as part of a series of programs designed to enhance the innovation capacity of Emirati’s in support of them moving towards becoming high impact entrepreneurs.
Developed in collaboration with Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, the Innovation Masterclass represents a key milestone in furthering IED’s commitment to bringing innovation and change within the UAE. The Innovation Masterclass concludes with a Concept Champions Award which aims to acknowledge and reward the participant’s innovative ideas and concepts developed from Masterclass, which was held on 13-15 April.
The entries of the attendees will be judged by five industry and academic experts on innovation led by Rory Hendrikz, Director of IED; Nizar Cheniour, Director of Entrepreneurship Development Department at Khalifa Fund; Dr. Nabil Ibrahim, Chancellor and CEO of Abu Dhabi University (ADU); and Matt Bolton from WHATIF Innovation.
Commenting on the innovation program, Cheniour said, “Among the Khalifa Fund’s priority is to create a culture of innovation and creativity as well as encourage an entrepreneurial spirit amongst the UAE nationals. I believe that this innovation program strongly enable us to support in achieving this goal.â€
Cheniour added that Khalifa Fund’s initiatives aim to support the innovation and the creative culture between the locals in all segments and age groups. The core services of Khalifa Fund are based in the investment in the human resources by developing the capabilities of employees for the service in the society and the national economy.
“Innovation is becoming increasingly essential in organisations and companies across the world, yet the main challenge is how to create successful innovation that matters in the industry and the society as whole,†said Hendrikz. “In the Innovation Masterclass, we are equipping Emirati’s with essential innovation capabilities, so that they can develop new ventures that can make a significant contribution to the regional economy.â€
“The Khalifa Fund Innovation Concept Champions Award encourages participants to put into practice what they have learned in the Masterclass. We are looking forward to receiving their ideas and concepts on how to make their potential ventures stand out in the industry as well as demonstrate how innovation plays a major role in the business and economic progress,†he added.
